By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic posted a triple-double in his return to action after a two-game absence, helping the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-108, in Xfinity Mobile Arena on Sunday.
Bouncing back in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season following a trip back to his home country of Slovenia for the birth of his second child was the main challenge for the 26-year-old combo guard. Nevertheless, he delivered game highs of 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, and registered two blocks.
“I was tired. Mentally, I wasn’t there much, but I’m just glad that we got a win,” he mentioned in a post-game press conference, describing the successive 12-hour flights of recent days. “It was a lot, but it was worth it.”
Starting a three-game road trip without Doncic, the Lakers went from taking down the Toronto Raptors to a loss against the Boston Celtics. Due to time difference and important family moments, the Slovenian superstar did not follow the games.
“I got to see my daughter again. Obviously, my newborn. Coming back, it was kind of hard to leave them behind. But it’s a job. I got to do it,” said Doncic.
“It’s just the best thing in the world. Obviously, it’s two girls. They are going to make my life hell for sure. I know that. And it’s going to be the security after I retire. But all jokes aside, it’s the best feeling in the world. And I’m just blessed,” he added.
Fellow European option for head coach JJ Redick, German Maxi Kleber, was left out of the rotation, similar to Turkish Adem Bona of the Sixers.
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